Stephen Jasper Maxwell

Stephen Jasper Maxwell, 74, of Cleveland, Oklahoma passed from this life on Monday, May 17, 2010 in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the Hillcrest Medical Center. Stephen was born December 16, 1935 in Cleveland, Oklahoma. Stephen was the son of Stillman Jasper and Dessie Jeanette (Callison) Maxwell. At the age of three Stephen moved with his family to Vacaville, California. While residing there Stephen attended school and later graduated from Vacaville High School with the Class of 1953. After high school Stephen attended the Four Cís Business College in Fresno, California. On December 27, 1954, Stephen entered into the service of his country with the United States Army. While enlisted in the U.S. Army Stephen served in the 86th Infantry Regiment. Following his return from overseas Stephen was honorably discharged on December 6, 1956. On June 16, 1958, Stephen was united in marriage to Lavonna June Maxwell in Chowchilla, California. The couple established their initial home in Chowchilla while Stephen was employed with Anderson Clayton Cotton Gin. In 1980, the couple moved to Cleveland, Oklahoma. Stephen then accepted a position with Dick Conners Correctional Facility in Hominy, Oklahoma. Stephen continued working there for over 20 years when he retired as a Security Captain. Stephen enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing as well as bowling. He was the first to bowl a perfect game during league play while residing in Chowchilla. Most of all Stephen enjoyed sitting in his recliner or at the table with his family and friends playing a friendly game of poker. In 2002, Stephen was appointed as a Tribal Elder of the Cherokee Tribe. Survivors are his wife Lavonna, six children LaDonna Maxwell of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Stephen Maxwell of Chowchilla, California, Stillman Maxwell of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Danny Maxwell of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Billy Maxwell of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Lori Cross of Shawnee, Oklahoma; two sisters Beverly Maxwell of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Dana Maxwell of Cleveland, Oklahoma; three brothers Vernon Maxwell of Cleveland, Oklahoma, David Maxwell of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Jobe Peevey of Beaumont, Texas; eighteen grandchildren; twenty four great grandchildren and numerous other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by father Stillman Jasper Maxwell, mother Dessie Jeanette (Callison) Maxwell, four brother Earl Dennis Maxwell, Raymond Maxwell, Leon Maxwell and James Peevey,. Church services will be held 10:30 am Saturday, May 22, 2010 at the Western Heights Baptist Church with Rev. David Head officiating. Burial will follow in the Woodland Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.